I'm still recovering from yesterday as today has more heavy-hitting news. The Granderson deal huge. Boston should strike back today or tomorrow to counter the Yankees. They could've gotten Granderson if they traded SP Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury, but thought the price was too high. I agree with the front office. This probably means the Yankees have no trade chips to get Roy Halladay. The Yankees did get Andy Pettite after all, who signed for just under $12M despite not origianlly liking the number. Rumor has it the other New York(Mets) team has its eyes on Joel Pineiro, Doug Davis, John Lackey, Jon Garland, and Jason Marquis. I think they get Garland or Davis.
The Brewers have closed the deal with SP Randy Wolf. They get him for 3 yrs @ $29.75M with a fourth year option. As a bonus, they picked up reliever LaTroy Hawkins (1-4; 2.13ERA) for two years at $7.5M. Good moves by the Brewers, although I think they overpaid for Randy Wolf. Hawkins was a steal because of his abilityto get batters and baserunners out.
The Orioles and Rangers appear to be trading pitchers. The Orioles will get Kevin Millwood (13-10; 3.67ERA) sending Chis Ray (0-4;7.27ERA). What are the Rangers thinking? Ray hasn't had a winning season in 4 ML seasons? His ERA jumped almost 3 points from 2007 to this year?!? If I'm Texas, I'm praying someone's physical comes back with a defect (more than likely Millwood's). If I'm Baltimore, I'm thinking about pulling off a possible deal of the century. The money saved by Texas would allow them to pursue a cheaper starter. As of 6:34PM, it;s a done deal and Texas gets a player to be named later.
The Rockies are close to re-signing C Yorvit Torrealba(.291, 2HRs, 31 RBIs in 64 games). The deal would be worth $5.5M/2yrs. That's a lot for a backup catcher who doesn't even play half the season. Torrealba is looking for $6M.
The Astros appear close to receiving closer Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins reports Ken Rosenthal. It is unsure of who the Marlins will receive. Lindstrom (2-1; 5.89ERA) lost the closer job to Leo Nunez after injuring himself mid-season and never returning to form. As of 4:33PM, this deal is done and Lindstrom is on his way for a physical in Houston. The Marlins get pitcher Robert Bono,INF Luis Bryan and a player to be named.
SS Bobby Crosby is now a Pirate. The contract is worth $1M with 5K of incentives. At least they didn't overspend on him.
Rumors:
Multiple teams are interested in SP Derek Lowe (15-10;4.67ERA) and the Braves say they will "eat some of his contract."
The Rays lead the chase for reliever Rafael Soriano.
Rich Harden is on the verge of a contract agreement for an unknown team (Rangers is the rumor now).
The White Sox may take a look at reliever J.J. Putz. Does this mean that Bobby Jenks is on the move? Or will Putz accept a similar role when he was acquired by the Mets?
The Red Sox and Rangers are talking Mike Lowell.
Jayson Stark says the Padres are "aggresively" trying to move Kevin Kouzmanoff.
The Phillies have interest in pitcher Jason Marquis.
check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Winter Meetings Day 2; Big News
First thing that happened today was C Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez agreeing to a 2yr/$6M deal with the Nationals pending a physical. Many fans thought Rodriguez was washed up in 2008, but had a great 2009 season between Houston and Texas hitting a combined .249 with 10HRs and 47 RBIs. The Nats are making some very good moves having just acquired Brian Bruney yesterday. At this rate, they could be contenders if they can hold onto Josh Willingham.
The biggest move probably of the day goes to the three team trade (Yanks, Tigers, and D-Backs). The Yankees will acquire OF Curtis Granderson (.249; 30HRs; 71 RBIs) from the Tigers and they ship OF Austin Jackson (.300BA in AAA) and reliever Phil Coke (4-3; 4.50ERA) to the Tigers and SP Ian Kennedy to the D-Backs. Jackson provides talent for the Tigers, but Phil Coke has a little work to do yet. The Tigers will receive SP Max Scherzer (9-11; 4.12ERA) and RP Daniel Schlereth (1-4; 5.89ERA) from the D-Backs. Scherzer is considered to be the prize of the deal for Detroit, who has just cut their payroll by a lot. The D-Backs meanwhile also get SP Edwin Jackson (13-9; 3.62 ERA) from the Tigers. The Yankees win this deal immediately by adding Granderson's big bat, but the Tigers are close behind with talent locked up for years to come. The D-backs, I have no idea what they were thinking? Jackson is a good pick-up, but won't be as beneficial as a Granderson, Jackson, or the Scherzer to come. With the deal going through, expect Yankees OF Melky Cabrera to be cut loose. Physicals will be taken before it's all set in stone.
The Pirates are reportedly close to signing SS Bobby Crosby (.223BA; 6HRs 29RBIs). He would be competing with Ronny Cedeno for the spot if signed. I think Crosby is the wrong move for the Pirates, not saying Ronny Cedeno is the answer. Crosby is a guy whose consistently underachieved since 2005.
Rumor has it the Angels will deal an infielder and the most likely candidate is Macier Izturis (.300BA, 8HRs, 65RBIs). Why they'd dump a guy with that production who only makes $1.6M is beyond me. They won't be able to replace those numbers that cheap. Also, the teams considering giving Vladimir Guerrero a 1 year deal, but Vlad wants at least two years. If two years is his asking price, he will find a suitor quick.
News and notes:
1B/3B/OF Mark Teahan has been locked up by the White Sox for three years at $14M.
The Braves designated OF Ryan Church for assignment (.260, 2HRs, 18RBIs in his Braves stint). This moves frees up the space for Rafael Soriano to return after he accepted arbitration late last night.
The Twins designated RP Boof Bonser (3-7; 5.93ERA) for assignment to make room for Carl Pavano, who also accepted arbitration late last night.
The Brewers have offered SP Randy Wolf (11-7; 3.23ERA) a three year contract at $27M...The deal screams sign me.
Chone Figgins is officially the Mariners 3B. Brad Penny is officially a Cardinal. The Giants better find someone now. Rich Harden sounds good?
The Phillies have signed multi-position player Ross Gload to a 2yr deal.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
The biggest move probably of the day goes to the three team trade (Yanks, Tigers, and D-Backs). The Yankees will acquire OF Curtis Granderson (.249; 30HRs; 71 RBIs) from the Tigers and they ship OF Austin Jackson (.300BA in AAA) and reliever Phil Coke (4-3; 4.50ERA) to the Tigers and SP Ian Kennedy to the D-Backs. Jackson provides talent for the Tigers, but Phil Coke has a little work to do yet. The Tigers will receive SP Max Scherzer (9-11; 4.12ERA) and RP Daniel Schlereth (1-4; 5.89ERA) from the D-Backs. Scherzer is considered to be the prize of the deal for Detroit, who has just cut their payroll by a lot. The D-Backs meanwhile also get SP Edwin Jackson (13-9; 3.62 ERA) from the Tigers. The Yankees win this deal immediately by adding Granderson's big bat, but the Tigers are close behind with talent locked up for years to come. The D-backs, I have no idea what they were thinking? Jackson is a good pick-up, but won't be as beneficial as a Granderson, Jackson, or the Scherzer to come. With the deal going through, expect Yankees OF Melky Cabrera to be cut loose. Physicals will be taken before it's all set in stone.
The Pirates are reportedly close to signing SS Bobby Crosby (.223BA; 6HRs 29RBIs). He would be competing with Ronny Cedeno for the spot if signed. I think Crosby is the wrong move for the Pirates, not saying Ronny Cedeno is the answer. Crosby is a guy whose consistently underachieved since 2005.
Rumor has it the Angels will deal an infielder and the most likely candidate is Macier Izturis (.300BA, 8HRs, 65RBIs). Why they'd dump a guy with that production who only makes $1.6M is beyond me. They won't be able to replace those numbers that cheap. Also, the teams considering giving Vladimir Guerrero a 1 year deal, but Vlad wants at least two years. If two years is his asking price, he will find a suitor quick.
News and notes:
1B/3B/OF Mark Teahan has been locked up by the White Sox for three years at $14M.
The Braves designated OF Ryan Church for assignment (.260, 2HRs, 18RBIs in his Braves stint). This moves frees up the space for Rafael Soriano to return after he accepted arbitration late last night.
The Twins designated RP Boof Bonser (3-7; 5.93ERA) for assignment to make room for Carl Pavano, who also accepted arbitration late last night.
The Brewers have offered SP Randy Wolf (11-7; 3.23ERA) a three year contract at $27M...The deal screams sign me.
Chone Figgins is officially the Mariners 3B. Brad Penny is officially a Cardinal. The Giants better find someone now. Rich Harden sounds good?
The Phillies have signed multi-position player Ross Gload to a 2yr deal.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Monday, December 7, 2009
Winter Meetings Day 1
Let it begin boys and girls. Today owners, GM's, and agents met in Indy for what will be an exciting three days. Let's recap if you were sleeping under a rock.
FA SP Andy Pettite has said he wants to return to pitch a 16th season, but has supposedly rejected the Yankees initial offer. Right now, I'm cheering, but I bet he'll break down like he did last season to return to the Yanks. As of now, though it appears he will be back for the Yanks, as I've just read in Cliff Eastham's blog. The Yanks shipped reliever Brian Bruney off to the Nats for a player to be named. Bruney during the regular season was fantastic going 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA, but broke down in the postseason. This is a solid pick-up regardless for the Nats, who need a lot of help in the bullpen.
The Red Sox came to terms with reliever Scott Atchinson. It's a minor league deal worth $420K, but with $1M+ in options. The Red Sox bought EXTREMELY LOW speculating their saving money for the higher priced relievers/outfield position/starting pitching. Atchinson hasn't pitched a ML game since 07 with the Giants posting a 4.11 ERA. Jason Bay is expected to turn down arbitration.
The Rockies released OF Matt Murton in order for him to pursue a contract with the Hanshin Tigers. He hit .389 in Triple-A last season.
The Tigers have re-signed SS Adam Everett to a 1yr/ $1.5M deal. Everett hit .238 with 3 HRs and 44 RBIs last season in 118 games for the Tigers.
The Cardinals have reached a preliminary agreement on a 1 yr deal with SP Brad Penny. Penny resurrected his career in Boston last season before falling apart and being released. He found his stride again with the Giants (4-1; 2.59ERA). The deal is worth $7.5M with $1.5M in incentives should he pass the physical. This means that John Smoltz's stay in STL is probably over. Penny can help the Cards out greatly if he can be the 2nd half Brad Penny he was this season. Mark DeRosa is expected to turn down arbitration.
The Angels have begun talks with Jason Bay's agent, Joe Urbon. There is nothing to report yet, but sources say the Mariners don't have a shot. Evidently, the Milton Bradley-Pat Burrell swap hasn't been shot down yet. I can't see this trade benefiting either team. Burrell doesn't help the Cubs offense or defense and the Rays don't want distractions in their clubhouse.
Good news for the Twins, Carl Pavano will accept arbitration. Pavano went a combined 14-12 with a 5.10ERA between Cleveland and Minnesota in '09.
SP Justin Duchsherer has declined arbitration with the A's. For him to go anywhere, the team that signs him will have to give up draft picks. With the Sox already having to deal picks to Toronto, I expect that to shoot down Duchsherer coming to Boston.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
FA SP Andy Pettite has said he wants to return to pitch a 16th season, but has supposedly rejected the Yankees initial offer. Right now, I'm cheering, but I bet he'll break down like he did last season to return to the Yanks. As of now, though it appears he will be back for the Yanks, as I've just read in Cliff Eastham's blog. The Yanks shipped reliever Brian Bruney off to the Nats for a player to be named. Bruney during the regular season was fantastic going 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA, but broke down in the postseason. This is a solid pick-up regardless for the Nats, who need a lot of help in the bullpen.
The Red Sox came to terms with reliever Scott Atchinson. It's a minor league deal worth $420K, but with $1M+ in options. The Red Sox bought EXTREMELY LOW speculating their saving money for the higher priced relievers/outfield position/starting pitching. Atchinson hasn't pitched a ML game since 07 with the Giants posting a 4.11 ERA. Jason Bay is expected to turn down arbitration.
The Rockies released OF Matt Murton in order for him to pursue a contract with the Hanshin Tigers. He hit .389 in Triple-A last season.
The Tigers have re-signed SS Adam Everett to a 1yr/ $1.5M deal. Everett hit .238 with 3 HRs and 44 RBIs last season in 118 games for the Tigers.
The Cardinals have reached a preliminary agreement on a 1 yr deal with SP Brad Penny. Penny resurrected his career in Boston last season before falling apart and being released. He found his stride again with the Giants (4-1; 2.59ERA). The deal is worth $7.5M with $1.5M in incentives should he pass the physical. This means that John Smoltz's stay in STL is probably over. Penny can help the Cards out greatly if he can be the 2nd half Brad Penny he was this season. Mark DeRosa is expected to turn down arbitration.
The Angels have begun talks with Jason Bay's agent, Joe Urbon. There is nothing to report yet, but sources say the Mariners don't have a shot. Evidently, the Milton Bradley-Pat Burrell swap hasn't been shot down yet. I can't see this trade benefiting either team. Burrell doesn't help the Cubs offense or defense and the Rays don't want distractions in their clubhouse.
Good news for the Twins, Carl Pavano will accept arbitration. Pavano went a combined 14-12 with a 5.10ERA between Cleveland and Minnesota in '09.
SP Justin Duchsherer has declined arbitration with the A's. For him to go anywhere, the team that signs him will have to give up draft picks. With the Sox already having to deal picks to Toronto, I expect that to shoot down Duchsherer coming to Boston.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Tidbit
Sources say 3B Chone Figgins takes his physical tomorrow and will be a Mariner by the evening. Also, don;t be surprise if the M's target John Lackey and Jason Bay.
Reliever Rafael Betancourt is going to finally accept the Rockies arbitration offer.
The Marlins are exploring dealing closer Matt Lindstrom. Lindstrom went 2-1 with a 5.89 ERA. He struggled mid-season closing for the Marlins. The Rays are rumored to be the interest.
If the Yanks choose to non-tender SP Chien Ming-Wang, the Dodgers will be interested in signing him, says Ken Davidoff. The Red Sox fan in me wants Wang to stay around after watching his meltdown last season.
The Mets have interest in OF Josh Willingham. Maybe that would be a move worth making, Omar?
The Royals are attempting to strike a deal with Cuban defector Noel Arguelles. The deal would be worth $7M/5yrs. Arguelles has a great fastball (94MPH).
This week should pick up with winter meetings starting tomorrow. I'm hoping for my Sox to make some big strides in the pen and outfield. I think the Phillies may get a reliever, but that would be it. The Mets should be poised to get something big because signing Coste and Blanco sure as hell didn't make the team any better.
http://www.sportsjabber.net
Reliever Rafael Betancourt is going to finally accept the Rockies arbitration offer.
The Marlins are exploring dealing closer Matt Lindstrom. Lindstrom went 2-1 with a 5.89 ERA. He struggled mid-season closing for the Marlins. The Rays are rumored to be the interest.
If the Yanks choose to non-tender SP Chien Ming-Wang, the Dodgers will be interested in signing him, says Ken Davidoff. The Red Sox fan in me wants Wang to stay around after watching his meltdown last season.
The Mets have interest in OF Josh Willingham. Maybe that would be a move worth making, Omar?
The Royals are attempting to strike a deal with Cuban defector Noel Arguelles. The deal would be worth $7M/5yrs. Arguelles has a great fastball (94MPH).
This week should pick up with winter meetings starting tomorrow. I'm hoping for my Sox to make some big strides in the pen and outfield. I think the Phillies may get a reliever, but that would be it. The Mets should be poised to get something big because signing Coste and Blanco sure as hell didn't make the team any better.
http://www.sportsjabber.net
Friday, December 4, 2009
Scutaro;Zaun; Figgins and more
It's a deal. Boston's new SS is Marco Scutaro. I don't agree with the signing. I was more open to Pedroia moving over to SS and being able to sign a Brandon Phillips, Orlando Hudson (which the Rox claim they're not pursuing) or a 2b of those natures. The Sox don't trust Jed Lowrie because of his health, but Scutaro is coming off an injury, too. Sure, he hit .282 with 12 HRs, 60 RBIs and 100 runs for last season, but why do I feel like he won't come near those numbers again? Now the Sox mus tackle the OF and bullpen which are far more important a this point in my eyes.
C Greg Zaun has signed a deal with the Brewers. It's woth $1.9M this season with a $2M+ option for next season and a $250K buyout. Zaun split time between Baltimore and Tampa Bay last season playing 90 games hitting a combined .251.
The rumor is Chone Figgins is close to a deal, but don't rule the Angles out yet says Jayson Stark of ESPN, with the Mariners. This news may no break until tomorrow if it's true.
The Orioles have re-signed C Chad Moeller to a minor league deal. The Orioles backstop is now crowded behind Matt Wieters. Moeller will be battling Craig Tatum and Michel Hernandez for the spot. Moeller hit .251 in 30 games last season.
Other news, The Rangers claimed Joe Inglett of the Jays. Inglett hit .281 last season for Toronto and .360 in Triple A ball. The Dodgers signed reliever Justin Miller to a minor league deal. If he makes the majors, he'll make $850K. Last season before going down with arthroscopic elbow surgery. Miller posted a 3.18ERA for the Giants last season.
Check out:http://www.sportsjabber.net
C Greg Zaun has signed a deal with the Brewers. It's woth $1.9M this season with a $2M+ option for next season and a $250K buyout. Zaun split time between Baltimore and Tampa Bay last season playing 90 games hitting a combined .251.
The rumor is Chone Figgins is close to a deal, but don't rule the Angles out yet says Jayson Stark of ESPN, with the Mariners. This news may no break until tomorrow if it's true.
The Orioles have re-signed C Chad Moeller to a minor league deal. The Orioles backstop is now crowded behind Matt Wieters. Moeller will be battling Craig Tatum and Michel Hernandez for the spot. Moeller hit .251 in 30 games last season.
Other news, The Rangers claimed Joe Inglett of the Jays. Inglett hit .281 last season for Toronto and .360 in Triple A ball. The Dodgers signed reliever Justin Miller to a minor league deal. If he makes the majors, he'll make $850K. Last season before going down with arthroscopic elbow surgery. Miller posted a 3.18ERA for the Giants last season.
Check out:http://www.sportsjabber.net
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Attack of the NL East part deux
The Phils got a 3B now; his name: Placido Polanco. The former Tiger signed a 3 yr/$18M deal to play for the Phils. The door is still open for Pedro Feliz to return at a cheaper price, but he probably won't with Polanco starting. This will be his second stint in Philly after joining them in 2002. I don't understand why the Phils didn't see if they could get Chone Figgins beforehand.
Another Brave signing and another Red sox departure today as reliever Takashi Saito joined Atlanta for a 1yr/$3.2M deal with incentives. Saito had to prove his worth to teams last season after coming off surgery and joined the Red Sox where he went 3-3 with a 2.56ERA. Most definitely, the Sox can add relievers to their wishlist after losing Wagner yesterday and Saito today.
After some speculation, the Mets have signed C Henry Blanco to a 1yr/$1.5M deal.
The A's traded pitcher Jeff Gray (0-1; 3.76ERA) and two minor leaguers for 2B Aaron Miles (.185 with 5 RBIs) and Jake Fox (.259 11HRs and 44RBIs).The A's got a good deal(also got $1M) even if Miles was terrible at the plate. Fox can play many positions as he did in '09 with the Cubbies. Gray should develop into something for the Chicago organization, but I don't see return immediately.
According to J.P. Morosi of Fox Sports, The M's are the frontrunners for 3B Chone Figgins. The deal could be worth 4yr/$30M.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Another Brave signing and another Red sox departure today as reliever Takashi Saito joined Atlanta for a 1yr/$3.2M deal with incentives. Saito had to prove his worth to teams last season after coming off surgery and joined the Red Sox where he went 3-3 with a 2.56ERA. Most definitely, the Sox can add relievers to their wishlist after losing Wagner yesterday and Saito today.
After some speculation, the Mets have signed C Henry Blanco to a 1yr/$1.5M deal.
The A's traded pitcher Jeff Gray (0-1; 3.76ERA) and two minor leaguers for 2B Aaron Miles (.185 with 5 RBIs) and Jake Fox (.259 11HRs and 44RBIs).The A's got a good deal(also got $1M) even if Miles was terrible at the plate. Fox can play many positions as he did in '09 with the Cubbies. Gray should develop into something for the Chicago organization, but I don't see return immediately.
According to J.P. Morosi of Fox Sports, The M's are the frontrunners for 3B Chone Figgins. The deal could be worth 4yr/$30M.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Attack of the NL East
It figures things begin to get good while I'm getting lambasted with assignments in the final week of college. First on the docket was the Phillies acquisiton of C Brian Schneider. You'll remember him from the Mets last season. Schneider hit .218 in an injury shortened season. He'll make $1.2M this season as a backup for Carlos Ruiz. Schneider had the chance to start elsewhere, but his childhood love of the Phils sealed the deal.
The Braves are ready to acquire Billy Wagner. Wagner is the first high-profile player to move.The deal is worth a total of $13M as long as he makes 50 appearances this season. Wagner wants to be on a World Series capable team so I'm puzzled why the Braves. The Red Sox will receive Atlanta's draft pick in next year's draft because of the arbitration offering. Speaking of the Sox, Dustin Pedroia maybe sliding over to shortstop. It's been talked over within(waiting on confirmation from manager Terry Francona) and he's very open to doing so. While at ASU, he was an all-star at SS and has played a few games at ML level at the position. The Sox are rumored to talk with Adam Everett and Adam Kennedy to fill 2B. I'd go with Brandon Phillips personally.
The Rays acquired C Kelly Shoppach from the Indians for a player to be named later. If so, Dienor Navarro could be non-tendered. Shoppach hit .214 with 12 Hrs and 40 RBIs in 89 games last season. The Indians have signed Jason Grilli and 3 minor leaguers to deals. This is Grilli's 7th team, but with a 5.32 ERA and injury setbacks, that's no surprise.
Two of the biggest names in baseball set deadlines for moves. Roy Halladay says the Jays better trade him by spring training. Joe Mauer wants an extension by Opening Day.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
The Braves are ready to acquire Billy Wagner. Wagner is the first high-profile player to move.The deal is worth a total of $13M as long as he makes 50 appearances this season. Wagner wants to be on a World Series capable team so I'm puzzled why the Braves. The Red Sox will receive Atlanta's draft pick in next year's draft because of the arbitration offering. Speaking of the Sox, Dustin Pedroia maybe sliding over to shortstop. It's been talked over within(waiting on confirmation from manager Terry Francona) and he's very open to doing so. While at ASU, he was an all-star at SS and has played a few games at ML level at the position. The Sox are rumored to talk with Adam Everett and Adam Kennedy to fill 2B. I'd go with Brandon Phillips personally.
The Rays acquired C Kelly Shoppach from the Indians for a player to be named later. If so, Dienor Navarro could be non-tendered. Shoppach hit .214 with 12 Hrs and 40 RBIs in 89 games last season. The Indians have signed Jason Grilli and 3 minor leaguers to deals. This is Grilli's 7th team, but with a 5.32 ERA and injury setbacks, that's no surprise.
Two of the biggest names in baseball set deadlines for moves. Roy Halladay says the Jays better trade him by spring training. Joe Mauer wants an extension by Opening Day.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
